Joint police‑military team begins inquiry About 30 police and military officials convened on Jan. 12 to examine North Korea’s allegation that drones crossed the inter‑Korean border in September and on Jan. 4 [1][3]. The investigation is led by the National Police Agency’s National Office of Investigation and seeks to verify the drones’ origins and any state involvement [1][3]. Seoul’s defense ministry has categorically denied that South Korean forces sent or operated the aircraft [1][3]. Authorities will also review prior cases involving similar drone models [1].

North Korea asserts sovereignty breach The North’s military publicly accused South Korea of violating its airspace by dispatching drones on two occasions, framing the incidents as breaches of sovereignty [1][2][3]. Pyongyang’s statement intensified diplomatic tension and prompted President Lee Jae Myung to order a prompt probe [2]. South Korean officials rejected the claim as unfounded, maintaining that no South‑run drones entered the North’s territory [1][2][3].

Civilian or commercial drone origin under review Investigators are weighing the possibility that private actors, rather than the South Korean state, operated the drones [1][2]. Experts note the aircraft appear built from low‑cost commercial components, unsuitable for conventional military use [1]. Some analysts have linked the design to a Skywalker Technology model, a Chinese commercial drone, further complicating attribution [1].

Seoul signals openness to UNC‑coordinated probe Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back told lawmakers he is prepared to propose a joint inter‑Korean investigation through the United Nations Command if North Korea returns the drones [2]. The UNC, which enforces the Korean War armistice and oversees DMZ activities, could facilitate a coordinated inquiry within the armistice framework [2]. Ahn reiterated his assumption that civilians may have launched the drones, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding responsibility [2].